Is the Explorer reliable?

[Huntpsu1]

I have been considering purchasing a new Ford Explorer once the redesign came out. I currently drive an Infiniti FX which has been great, and the lease is up in a couple months. But I like the new style of the EX and could use a bit more cargo room so it has caught my attention.

However, after reading this forum for a few months I am really questioning the reliability of this vehicle. I can understand more people are likely to issue complaints than praise on a forum that has Ford reps monitoring (such as Cory), but there are several issues that seem pervasive and would steer me from a purchase--

1) Overheating engine when idling
2) MFT will supposed new fix, but who knows given the current complaints after 11 updates to the first generation
3) Chronic wind noise thru the A pillar with a questionable fix
4) Squeaking brakes, on top of reviews that cite the brakes are "squishy" or lack "feel" to begin with
5) Inconsistent responses by Ford dealers to fix known problems, or be aware of Ford TSBs causing owner frustrations.
6) issues with the transmission with tow packaged equipped EXs

With all this , I ask why I'm even interested in pursuing the purchase. But the truck looks to have so much promise so I figure I'd see how many owners step up and defend their purchase as being the right move.

Any comments?

 

[Jackal01]

I think mine (built 08/11) is reliable. The only issues I have are 1) with the A pillar noise which will be fixed soon once I take it in for its first oil change and 2) MFT but primarily just my Microsoft Zune skipping about 30 seconds of a song once or twice a day. Other than not happy with the ground clearance (which I didn't look at prior to purchase) and front wheel drive I love it. If I had to do it again I would go with the 4x4 option which maybe even down the line I may swap into one. I like the EcoBoost engine but with the slight ^ in MPG I think I would have rather have gotten 4x4 and dealt with lower MPG than the 3.5L (previous vehicle, an 07 2WD Ex got 15) so either Ex was an upgrade. All in all a lot of bang for your buck with the new Explorer.

 

[calb]

I have been considering purchasing a new Ford Explorer once the redesign came out. I currently drive an Infiniti FX which has been great, and the lease is up in a couple months. But I like the new style of the EX and could use a bit more cargo room so it has caught my attention.

However, after reading this forum for a few months I am really questioning the reliability of this vehicle. I can understand more people are likely to issue complaints than praise on a forum that has Ford reps monitoring (such as Cory), but there are several issues that seem pervasive and would steer me from a purchase--

1) Overheating engine when idling
2) MFT will supposed new fix, but who knows given the current complaints after 11 updates to the first generation
3) Chronic wind noise thru the A pillar with a questionable fix
4) Squeaking brakes, on top of reviews that cite the brakes are "squishy" or lack "feel" to begin with
5) Inconsistent responses by Ford dealers to fix known problems, or be aware of Ford TSBs causing owner frustrations.
6) issues with the transmission with tow packaged equipped EXs

With all this , I ask why I'm even interested in pursuing the purchase. But the truck looks to have so much promise so I figure I'd see how many owners step up and defend their purchase as being the right move.

Any comments?

I'm taking delivery of mine shortly in spite of the comments (or as a result of the good comments and the fixes I see Ford putting out). I don't have a vehicle to comment on specifically, but:

1) Overheating issue (unless someone wants to correct me) was in the earlier 2011 model, and has been dealt with.

2) MFT - we are all hoping it works as we (and Ford) would like it to, but the nice thing about software is that it can be updated, and Ford has made MFT a priority.

 

[new to ford]

1) Overheating issue (unless someone wants to correct me) was in the earlier 2011 model, and has been dealt with.
.

Checkout the overheated thread, there are reports of overheated MY2012 explorers.

OP, add to the list, poor bluetooth sound quality.

 

[JustB_Rad]

I've had my EX since March, with minor problems, and don't regret buying it for a second. My dealer fixed my streaky windows (at least in the front) and the A-Pillar rattle....now I'm just waiting on the MFT update, and I'll have everything fixed.

 

[spitfisher]

I recently took ownership of a XLT and have experienced non of original posted problem list problems, lucky maybe. I did have a little hick up the other day with my phone connecting, its cleared up right now- it very well could have been an apple iphone related problem. I came from over a decade of owning hondas Odyssey and ridgeline they too have simular bullitin boards with the same type of issues and complaints-despite quality control awards etc. Same goes for toyota according to friends Tacomas and fourrunners are nothing to right home about and if you want to pay more for a simular equiped vehicle with a very vanilla interior well be my guess. yes there maybe better resale, but you're often paying more upfront to begin with.

I haven't bought an american car new or new used in almost 35 years+- so why ford now for me? Well for one they have gotten thier act together, IMO the cars are rather nice looking over the fiat owned Chrysler and boring GM rebadged product. There is some engineering going on here with Ford, they have reinvented themselves. and lastly they didn't take the tax payer buy out and to me, that alone earned them the right for me to consider them for business. I bought american, I bought locally and I rec'd a more than generous trade for my Auto on what I consider a very nice looking, functional for my needs 2011 ford explorer. and you should too.

 

[peterk9]

My Limited was a late February build and I am very happy with it. I have the occasional minor MFT problem (V2.4) that clears up on its own. Streaky window problem still exists but it isn't as bad as it was. I still get the occasional 'courtesy' wipe but haven't bothered to take it in to have it fixed under the existing TSB. Other than that, I have not experienced any of the other problems.

 

[maerlim]

Regarding bad dealer service, I'm thinking that's a common thread among all brands. You can get poor service departments anywhere.

Regarding everything else, it seems to me like Ford is putting a pretty high priority on fixing the problems the Ex is having. I can't think of any common problems on this board that do not have a TSB already. If you're concerned, you might want to wait for the 2013 model year, which will start hitting dealers in March (according to Cory). Some of these problems will likely be resolved in a new model year, not to mention they'll come with the new MFT pre-installed. (Personally I couldn't wait and ordered a 2012MY.)

 

[calb]

Checkout the overheated thread, there are reports of overheated MY2012 explorers.

The overheated thread I saw seemed only to relate to 2011 similar to this one show this as a fan related item that impacted some of the 2011 vehicles. Not saying there isn't the odd 2012 but I haven't noted endemic overheating problems on the 2012s?

 

[new to ford]

The overheated thread I saw seemed only to relate to 2011 similar to this one show this as a fan related item that impacted some of the 2011 vehicles. Not saying there isn't the odd 2012 but I haven't noted endemic overheating problems on the 2012s?

Calb, IMHO, all you need is one overheat occurrence on a MY2012 to give you an idea that the root cause of the overheat problem has not been fixed:

I brought my 2012 Limited in 3 times for break squeal. Finally told service that I found a TSB on brakes so they fixed it. After that windshield started making noise at highway speed. They fixed that with A Pillar fix. Went on road trip for thanksgiving and the explorer started overheating. Had to stop on road and bring to nearest dealership for fix. Missed some of my thanksgiving. They replaced the cooling fan.. Got back on the road and my brakes started to knock and grind when I come to stop. Going back to dealership for 6th visit on a 2012. Its not even 2012 yet!!!! This does not even count MFT issues. Total piece of junk. Lawyer is getting copies of service records tomorrow.

Cory, do you have any solutions on how to get my money back on this. I have been driving loaner Fusions more than my brand new car!!!! Thats the sort of escalation im looking for on this deal.

The overheating issue is not limited to the early build dates stated in the TSB, there are documented overheat failures of late MY2011's, so why shoul we assume it's 100% fixed for MY2012?

 

[maerlim]

Calb, IMHO, all you need is one overheat occurrence on a MY2012 to give you an idea that the root cause of the overheat problem has not been fixed:



The overheating issue is not limited to the early build dates stated in the TSB, there are documented overheat failures of late MY2011's, so why shoul we assume it's 100% fixed for MY2012?

I think what calb is saying is that there's a difference between "there's a common problem with the fan sensors in 2011 Explorers" and "rsab72's fan sensor went bad on his 2012". There doesn't seem to be much evidence to support a wide-spread problem on the 2012's right now. That may of course change.

 

[JDraper]

I've had mine since early 2011 and it's been very reliable. My MFT has behaved fairly well since I upgraded to 2.8, I've got no windshield or A-pillar rattle, no brake squeaks, decent bluetooth sound quality, only slight streaking on the windows, no transmission problems and it's never let me sit.

I have had the fan module replaced, the mirror replaced because of moisture, and a defective rear defroster fixed.

I'd buy mine again.

 

[thinkthis]

2012 Limited Ecoboost

I've had mine for three months now and the only problem I can really complain about is the bluetooth audio. It isn't a big enough problem that I'm motivated to get it fixed.

Still, we are a one car family so reliability was a big factor for us. The problem is that I'm also addicted to the latest in car tech and the explorer has it all (two USB ports, a three prong power outlet, to name a few of the overlooked features other cars lack).

Anyway, we're happy.

 

[deerfarm]

Regarding bad dealer service, I'm thinking that's a common thread among all brands. You can get poor service departments anywhere.

Regarding everything else, it seems to me like Ford is putting a pretty high priority on fixing the problems the Ex is having. I can't think of any common problems on this board that do not have a TSB already. If you're concerned, you might want to wait for the 2013 model year, which will start hitting dealers in March (according to Cory). Some of these problems will likely be resolved in a new model year, not to mention they'll come with the new MFT pre-installed. (Personally I couldn't wait and ordered a 2012MY.)

I'm afraid I have to take issue with the level of dealer service provided by Ford. I have owned 15 fords in my life and 4 Toyotas/Lexus. I have yet to experience a Ford service department that gives a rip about whether I am a satisfied customer. The first thing out of their mouth is "if we can't see or hear it, then we can't fix it". My local Toyota dealer is totally different. When I have had a rattle, they work on it even if they don't hear it. They do something and then say that if that didn't fix it, let them know. One time the service advisor that you check in with actually took action immedialty so that I didn't even have to leave the truck. To no surprise the Lexus dealer is just as good. Maybe it is just these two dealerships that are great, but it certainly impresses me!

 

[deerfarm]

My Limited was a late February build and I am very happy with it. I have the occasional minor MFT problem (V2.4) that clears up on its own. Streaky window problem still exists but it isn't as bad as it was. I still get the occasional 'courtesy' wipe but haven't bothered to take it in to have it fixed under the existing TSB. Other than that, I have not experienced any of the other problems.

Do you know for a fact that there is a TSB for the courtesy wipe? I get one occasionally. If you get yours fixed, let us know if it is better.

Thanks

 

[robthoke]

I bought mine on Halloween Day and recently took a 2500 mile trip in it for Thanksgiving. Found the Limited to be extremely comfortable for long drives. Mileage was decent at over 22.7 overall for the trip. I wished it had a heated steering wheel as it was cold when we got into the vehicle in the mornings. If we took our time with the MFT system, it would not freeze up. I traded in a 2009 Genesis 4.6 for this vehicle as I needed more room. The Genesis was an amazing vehicle and so far I have no regrets for this decision. My local dealership is decent and the people there treat me good. If you want an Explorer, get one. Every vehicle line has problems. If you're lucky, you will not have any major issues.

 

[Sgt1411]

Do you know for a fact that there is a TSB for the courtesy wipe? I get one occasionally. If you get yours fixed, let us know if it is better.

Thanks

Auto Windshield Wipers will do a wipe function on a sunny day with no moisture on the window.
See TSB 11-11-12
RAIN SENSITIVE WIPERS - UN-COMMANDED OR PHANTOM WIPE ON DRY GLASS - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 6/26/2011

 

[peterk9]

Do you know for a fact that there is a TSB for the courtesy wipe? I get one occasionally. If you get yours fixed, let us know if it is better.

Thanks

As Sgt1411 said it is TSB1-11-11-12

Also the following was posted by blwnsmoke on 11-11-2011 New TSB on auto wipers.
12Tsb 11-11-12. Replaced processor, BT4Z-17D547*B

(thread is on page 9 as of this post)

 

[1995E]

Well as the new saying goes,

"They just don't make em like they used to"

The Explorer has been a reliable vehicle in the driving aspect since we bought it in January. Except for a few annoying transmission bump, nothing was wrong with the drivetrain.

All the extra stuff that you would actually buy the Explorer for is the major issue such as the MFT not working.

Ford did a lot of testing with the drivetrain but it just seems like they just took the MFT system for granted and slapped it on.

 

[Sgt1411]

I have been considering purchasing a new Ford Explorer once the redesign came out. I currently drive an Infiniti FX which has been great, and the lease is up in a couple months. But I like the new style of the EX and could use a bit more cargo room so it has caught my attention.

However, after reading this forum for a few months I am really questioning the reliability of this vehicle. I can understand more people are likely to issue complaints than praise on a forum that has Ford reps monitoring (such as Cory), but there are several issues that seem pervasive and would steer me from a purchase--

1) Overheating engine when idling
2) MFT will supposed new fix, but who knows given the current complaints after 11 updates to the first generation
3) Chronic wind noise thru the A pillar with a questionable fix
4) Squeaking brakes, on top of reviews that cite the brakes are "squishy" or lack "feel" to begin with
5) Inconsistent responses by Ford dealers to fix known problems, or be aware of Ford TSBs causing owner frustrations.
6) issues with the transmission with tow packaged equipped EXs

With all this , I ask why I'm even interested in pursuing the purchase. But the truck looks to have so much promise so I figure I'd see how many owners step up and defend their purchase as being the right move.

Any comments?

Others here have given you good honest feedback.

My only suggestion is wait for the 2013 MY because Job1 starts in January 2012 and the majority, if not all of the issues on your list will be resolved.